MLB Requests Status Check on Pitcher Yang Hyeon-jong

Yang Hyeon-jong of the Kia Tigers is a step closer to realizing his dream of playing in Major League Baseball in the U.S.

MLB requested a status check on the pitcher last week, which is a sign that at least one big league team may be interested in acquiring him.

The Korea Baseball Organization said on Monday it notified its U.S. counterpart that Yang is currently a free agent, meaning he is free to negotiate a deal with any club.

Yang decided not to renew his contract with the Tigers early this month, in order to pursue his lifelong dream of playing in the U.S.